What is Fedex tracking?
August 31, 2023 •Joe Jordan
Losing packages is a major concern for shippers, as it can lead to unhappy customers and financial losses. In this blog, we look at FedEx tracking capabilities to see how they protect their customer’s shipments from losses and damage.
What Is FedEx Tracking?
FedEx tracking is a facility that FedEx provides its customers to help them see the progress of their shipment from the time it is picked up to when it is delivered. Tracking is beneficial to both the carrier and the shipper/recipient:
For FedEx, it reduces customer service inquiries since the concerned parties can easily view the status of their small parcel shipment by themselves. For the shipper and recipient, tracking gives peace of mind as they can see where exactly their package is and when it will arrive. It is especially beneficial for online sellers since the tracking updates help them to provide better customer care.
How To Track Your FedEx Shipment
To track your FedEx package, all you need is a tracking number, reference number, transportation control number (TCN), FedEx Office order number, or the number from your door tag. If you don’t have one of those numbers, you can use any reference number related to your package or any purchase order number. Then use one of these methods:
- Track it online using FedEx’s tracking tool. After entering your number in the tracking tool, you will be shown your scheduled delivery date along with a 4-hour estimated delivery time window. If you do not see an estimated delivery time window, it means that information is currently unavailable for that specific package. This tool also provides a picture proving the delivery of a package.
- Use the mobile app. Using FedEx’s mobile app, you can ship, track, and manage your FedEx Express and FedEx Ground packages all in one place.
- Text “follow” and your door tag number to FedEx, contact number 48773. A FedEx door tag is a notification left at your door when an attempted package delivery is unsuccessful. The tag provides you with information and options to arrange for another delivery or pickup.
- Call the FedEx tracking phone number, 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339. Once you’ve called the FedEx phone number, say: “track my package,” and follow the prompts.
Other FedEx Tracking Options
Apart from the above tracking methods, there are other ways to track your FedEx package, depending on the service you use. These are detailed below:
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
- Use FedEx Delivery Manager: FedEx Delivery Manager offers FedEx tracking by address and automatic tracking updates, including ‘picture proof of delivery notifications. It also enables you to redirect packages and set your preferred delivery times.
- Use FedEx Insight: FedEx Insight allows you to monitor the real-time status of your shipments without needing a tracking number. You can also search through, filter, and export the data for use in other applications.
FedEx Freight
- FedEx Advanced Tracking: FedEx’s advanced tracking dashboard allows you to track 20,000+ active shipments, run reports, and view documents and images, all in one convenient place.
- Email Tracking: You can track your FedEx packages via email by sending your order, reference, tracking, or account number to track@fedex.com.
FedEx Custom Critical
- Use Detailed Track: Due to the sensitive and urgent nature of Custom Critical shipments, FedEx provides more detailed tracking for them.
FedEx Trade Networks
- Use FedEx ‘My Global Trade Data’: FedEx’s My Global Trade Data is an online tool that gives you instant access to vital information regarding your imports and exports. Use your cargo control number, container number, or other relevant numbers for quick searches on your shipment's status. Utilize the "Track International Shipments" section for updates and generate reports to get an overview of your shipments.
How Does FedEx Tracking Work?
FedEx tracking involves a series of stops and scans as the package wakes its way to the final destination. It can be summarized in the simplified process below:
- Package pickup/drop-off - The package is given to FedEx and is scanned to begin the delivery and tracking process. Each package is assigned a unique tracking number, also known as a waybill number or tracking ID.
- Package Sorting and Transportation - As the package moves through FedEx’s network, it is scanned at various points to update the status in the tracking system. We will look at examples of Fedex’s tracking statuses and their meaning in the table below.
- Delivery Confirmation - When a package arrives at the destination, the package is scanned a final time, and a picture may also be taken to provide proof of delivery. At that point, the tracking system is updated to show "Delivered" as the status.
Below is a table explaining various ‘statuses’ you may see when tracking your FedEx package.
|
Package status |
Meaning |
|
“Your package is in transit.” |
‘In transit’ means your package is on its way to its final destination. It doesn’t necessarily mean your package is in a moving vehicle like an airplane or truck. It might be at one of our facilities. |
|
“Your package is out for delivery.” |
“Out for delivery” means your package was scanned by a package handler and placed on a pallet to be loaded on a vehicle for delivery. You can check the estimated delivery window online. |
|
“There is no scheduled delivery date at this time.” |
“No scheduled delivery date at this time” means we don’t have a delivery estimate or we don’t have the package yet. You might see this status if your shipment is delayed or there’s a FedEx shipment exception. (See below for exception examples.) |
|
“Your scheduled delivery is now pending.” |
“Scheduled delivery is now pending” means the delivery date has changed based on a delay of some kind. Know that we’re still doing everything we can to deliver your package as soon as possible. |
|
“Delivery exception.” |
“Delivery exception” means an unexpected event is preventing us from delivering your package. Some examples include customs delays, holiday closures, missing documentation, and security restrictions. |
|
“No status available.” |
FedEx has not taken possession of your package yet. A delivery date will be added as soon as we get your package. |
|
“Cancelled.” |
The shipper canceled this package and won’t show tracking information anymore. |
|
“At drop-off point.” |
This shipment has been dropped off at an authorized retail location and has yet to be received by FedEx. |
|
“We have your package.” |
This shipment has been dropped off at a FedEx Office location and is being processed. |
What Does a FedEx Tracking Number Usually Look Like?
A FedEx tracking number is typically a 12- to 14-digit number, such as '1234 5678 9012.'
However, it's important to note that FedEx employs various tracking number formats, which can include alphanumeric codes containing both letters and numbers. These formats may differ based on the specific shipping service utilized and the region of origin.
How Accurate Is FedEx Tracking Time?
When you track a FedEx package using their online tools, they typically provide an estimated delivery time within a 4-hour window. For instance, you may see that the delivery is expected between 10 am and 2 pm.
This window provides a buffer for unforeseen circumstances and potential delays.
How Long Does It Take for FedEx Tracking?
The time between receiving Fedex live tracking updates can vary. This is because FedEx packages are scanned at different points during their journey from origin to destination. As a result, it's not uncommon for a package to go more than 24 hours without an update, particularly when it's traveling long distances.
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